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The former president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada passed away last month, just shy of his 90th birthday.

Ken was born in Chatham, Ont., grew up in London, and joined Ford upon graduation from the University of Western Ontario.

He rose rapidly through a variety of sales positions across the country, becoming general sales manager in 1968.

As is the strategy for most international companies, people with strong upward prospects are given offshore assignments. Hence, in 1972, Ken became Director of Sales and Marketing for Ford Asia Pacific, based in Melbourne, Australia (for most of its existence, Ford of Australia had been a subsidiary of Ford of Canada, probably some sort of ‘Commonwealth’ thing ...).

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That assignment was short-lived; the next year, he was transferred to Europe, returning to Canada in 1978 as vice-president and general manager of the sales division.

He became President of Ford of Canada in 1981, which would have been the first time I met him. He added the Chief Executive Officer label to his name badge the following year.

In 1990, he became Chairman of Ford of Canada, retiring two years later.

The thing I remember most about Ken was his gentle manner. Obviously, if you are in a top management position of a major corporation, there are times when you have to make tough decisions. And no one ever knows what goes on behind closed doors unless you were also behind said closed doors.

But subordinates, colleagues and superiors never seemed to have a bad syllable to say about the man, let alone a harsh word. He was always courteous, friendly, accommodating to everyone.

Typical were the thoughts expressed at Ken’s retirement celebration by Red Poling, then chair and CEO of the entire Ford Motor Company: “Ken, for your many accomplishments, you have earned the respect and admiration of your associates throughout the Ford World. For your friendship, you can be certain of the lasting loyalty of your colleagues and co-workers, including me — one of your biggest fans.”

In retirement, he continued to serve on several corporate boards, as well as with the Ontario Jockey Club and the Royal Ontario Museum.

He was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Laws from his alma mater in 1994 for his outstanding contribution to Canadian business, and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996.

Ken was predeceased by his wife, Jean, and leaves two children, four grandchildren, and a veritable host of friends and associates.

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